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Toots is one of the true architects of reggae – so much so that “Do the Reggay,” a 1968 single by Toots and his group, the Maytals, is credited with giving the genre its name. Classic songs written and recorded by Toots and the Maytals have been covered by the likes of the Clash and the Specials, and the group was featured in reggae’s greatest breakthrough event – “The Harder They Come,” the 1972 film that became an international sensation.

The all-star guests on TRUE LOVE range from legends like Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, and Bonnie Raitt to younger stars including No Doubt, the Roots, and Phish’s Trey Anastasio. The caliber of these collaborators reveals the impact that Toots has had on several generations of rockers and rappers, while appearances from reggae icons Bunny Wailer and Marcia Griffiths show the respect granted to the man who might be the music’s greatest living vocalist. At the heart of it all is that voice – drenched in soul, rooted in gospel, and still breathtakingly powerful after almost four decades in the spotlight.

Legendary in the history of American ska and rock fusion by combining equal parts of deep funk, high-energy punk, and frantic ska, Fishbone was one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s.

It's hard to put into words the sheer thunder of Fishbone live. The mix of bass, keyboards, 3 brass instruments, 5 vocalists, drums, guitar and a loud PA combine to create a molten mix of deep funk / frantic ska / high-energy punk that has solidified their undisputed reputation as one of the best live acts in music history.

"Fishbone is the greatest band that the world ignored." — Questlove, The Roots

"They're definitely original. There was no pre-Fishbone. It was just them. They get to wear that crown to their grave." — Ice-T

"Fishbone is the world's greatest live band... I've been blown away by them many times." — Les Claypool, Primus

"Fishbone is the band that influenced me the most. On many occasions, my excitement level has erected to a place that could go no higher when seeing them play live. This is the best live band I have ever seen. Thank you Fishbone for years of inspiration." — Adrian Young from NO DOUBT

"If you haven't seen [Fishbone] then they are the best band you haven't seen. And if you have seen them then you know what I'm talking about." — Tim Robbins

NEW HAVEN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Formed to revitalize and open College Street Music Hall, the NHCPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with an educational and outreach mission to build audiences for the performing arts and deepen their engagement. Programs accessible to diverse ages, abilities, ethnic and cultural groups are developed with input from community leaders in art, culture, tourism and education.

NHPCA works with a network of collaborating partners to create awareness of the resources and opportunities at College Street Music Hall. Community engagement and outreach involves New Haven’s performing arts schools as well as organizations large and small across the creative ecosystem. Charitable contributions support NHCPA’s programs and are fully tax-deductible.

Interested in learning more about our performing arts mission and how you can help? Contact the Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at outreach@collegestreetmusichall.com.